A technology-driven organisation, TechWomen, in partnership with PanAfricare, has, through its (Innovation, STEM, and Partnerships for Inclusive and Relevant Education) ‘INSPIRE Project’ launched Artificial Intelligence technology to serve the North East region and donated laboratory equipment to two government schools in Bauchi.

Speaking at the official launch, a Lead of the INSPIRE Project, Damilola Ade, said that the project was funded by ExxonMobil Foundation to skill up the students across the country on technology and artificial intelligence in line with global best practices.

Damilola explained that her organisation co-implements the initiative to equip 14 public secondary schools across six states with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to bring science and technology learning to life, especially for girls and students with disabilities who are often left behind.

“Through the INSPIRE project, we are bringing our global exposure, technical expertise, and passion for inclusion into
classrooms where young minds will now have the opportunity to dream bigger, learn better, and compete globally.

“We believe that innovation must be inclusive to be impactful. With the INSPIRE Project, we are not only bridging the digital divide, we are building a movement that will catalyze long-term change in how STEM is taught, learned, and experienced in Nigeria. From coding and robotics to 3D printing and immersive technology, the future is now, and we are making sure our young people are ready for it.

“We are pleased to report that the INSPIRE Project has already recorded significant progress through its preliminary implementation activities. The school selection process was carried out meticulously, in close collaboration with the State Ministries of Education, Universal Basic.”

She listed benefiting states to include –Bauchi, Kaduna, Lagos, Abia, Rivers and FCT.

PanAfricare Country Director, Dr. Patrick Adah, represented by Benjamin Agber, said that the INSPIRE project aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s vision for STEM education in Nigeria and aims at enhancing academic performance in science subjects and encouraging students to pursue STEM careers.

“STEM education encourages creativity and innovation, leading to new ideas that bring solutions to critical challenges.
The INSPIRE Project in Bauchi provides the schools, teachers, and students the innovative opportunities to be involved in hands-on engagement with real-world applications that make learning more relevant and rewarding.

“As we officially kick off the INSPIRE project in Bauchi State, we urge the benefiting schools to maximize the use of the science kits and innovative tools being donated today.”

According to him, each of INSPIRE Box for every school contains a comprehensive STEM toolkit – 3D printers, robotics kits, laptops, junior and senior science kits, and augmented reality learning tools

Also, Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, represented by the Special Advisor to the Governor on technical education, Prof Yalam Madugu, said that the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed also prioritises the STEM courses.

He appreciated the organisations for selecting Bauchi among the benefiting states.